The islands were slowly coming back to life. Mariael walked the stretch of the shoreline alongside Zevulun, her brother who was quickly growing from colt to stallion before her very eyes. Groomed by her, he was becoming a fine young individual who understood the importance of family and the swift, deep-rooted love for Tinuvel. Mariael was proud to name him her queensguard, though the day she had told him she felt a soft pang in her chest, remembering the day their father called her queen, she asked him to be the first of her queensguard. She’d only hardened against it rather than speaking of it.
Mariael learned pain was what often could make one strong and she used that lesson time and time again to harden her to any potential vulnerability the outside world might prod at.
The sudden cry of a seagull caught their attention, both sister and brother lifting their heads with ears perked forward. What first appeared to be a washed up something - maybe a dead seal or a large lump of kelp – soon was recognized as vaguely horse shaped. The pair approached with caution, Mariael’s head held high in a sense of natural-born regality and Zevulun with the bright curiosity only the young can possess.
“Is it dead?” He whispered under his breath to Mariael, who snorted in response. She could see the slight rise and fall of its belly, meaning the horse was alive.
“I think it’s a mare.” A small thing, too.
“A mare?” Zevulun was more interested now than before. He perked up, tail flagging off his hind and smile hanging from the corner of his mouth.
Mariael shot him a look but he seemed happy to ignore it.
“You know what, sis? I got this one. Don’t you worry about it! I’ll check her out, see if she’s cool or not. I’m pretty sure Maziel needs you.”
Mariael stared at him, but Zevulun was talking over his shoulder as he already started walking closer. Mariael watched him go with a bemused expression, but ultimately decided there was little harm in allowing him to handle the situation for now. Mariael turned and headed up the shoreline, moving a little ways inland to see where Maziel might be grazing toward the trees.
“Hey!” Zevulun called out as he drew close to the little brown thing, ears perked and head low, nostrils flared as he swallowed deep breaths of brine-scented air. “You alright?”
She didn’t look too good… maybe she’d need mouth to mouth.
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